Free milk for Queensland school children (1953)

“‘It’s On’, was the cry as John Bromage, Jeff Kearley, Jeff Eaton and Brian Heron carried the free milk quota to class 5D at Junction Park State School”. Brisbane Telegraph, March 3, 1953

On March 3, 1953, more than 60,000 bottles of free milk were distributed to Brisbane students at 111 state schools, 37 independent schools and 15 pre-schools. Although the federal government had passed the State Grants (Milk for School Children) Act in December 1950, Queensland was the last state to introduce the scheme. Concern regarding distribution and the effects of a tropical climate on unrefrigerated milk had delayed its implementation.

David McAllan from Junction Park State School. Brisbane Telegraph, March 3, 1953

The first day of the scheme ran remarkably smoothly. Enterprising journalists from Brisbane’s competing newspapers, the Brisbane Telegraph and The Courier-Mail, were sent to several schools to observe. The latter reported that, when the milk was delivered between nine and 10.30am, it was left in “cool central spots, usually under school buildings”. At each school, teachers devised their own distribution system so time was not wasted during the morning break. At southside Junction Park State School, Annerley, for example, 1000 bottles were distributed in five minutes.

Most students were pleased with the initiative. David McAllan, 11, from Junction Park State School, said the free milk was the “best thing that ever happened, except holidays”. Others were more specific in their acceptance. “It’s good, but I wish it was coloured,” said Paul Nicholas, 11, from New Farm State School. Fellow student Mary Birineji, 5, was one of the approximately 5 per cent of Brisbane students who refused the milk altogether – “I’d rather have coffee,” she said.

The free milk scheme, provided for schoolchildren under the age of 13, was rolled out through the rest of the state later that year.

Dell New and Edna Budd from Silkstone State School. Free milk scheme was introduced in Ipswich in November 1953. Queensland Times, November 5, 1953

Free milk distributed at Allenstown State School for the first time, March 1954. Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), March 30, 1954

Thanks Myles. I remember having milk at Bell State School in 1966. I don’t recall it being warm when we drank it, although we were used to that as we had a pail of fresh milk delivered every morning at the National Bank where our dad was Manager. I also wished the school milk was “coloured”. The NORCO flavoured milk in the little bottles had a brown (and maybe silver) striped lid which one peeled back to reveal that marvellous flavour. The strawberry one had a pink/red stripe. YUM YUM!